Novel (Multilevel) Focus Group Training for a Transdisciplinary Research Consortium

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Qualitative Research Methodology
• Adult Education Principles

Background:

• Qualitative research is vital for understanding complex health issues.
• Lack of standardized training for multidisciplinary, multi-institution qualitative research teams hinders rigor.
• Need for guidelines to ensure scientific credibility in qualitative research across diverse settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a systematic training approach for qualitative research moderators.
• To enhance proficiency and expertise in qualitative data collection for multi-site research.
• To ensure credibility and trustworthiness in qualitative health research.

Main Methods:

• Developed a three-phase curriculum based on adult education and action-learning.
• Included online, in-person didactic, and supplemental online training components.
• Collected and utilized evaluative feedback to refine training and identify needs.

Main Results:

• Trained 15 focus group moderators from seven universities for the PLUS Research Consortium's SHARE study.
• The systematic training approach enhanced moderator proficiency and qualitative research expertise.
• Feedback mechanisms allowed for adaptive training and addressed emergent needs.

Conclusions:

• The described training approach can be adopted by transdisciplinary, multisite research teams.
• This method assures the credibility and trustworthiness of qualitative research findings.
• Standardized training is crucial for advancing rigorous qualitative health research.